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Ministers Harkin and Lawless announce launch of new Level 8 Civil Engineering and Quantity Surveying apprenticeships at Atlantic Technological University
Minister of State with responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills, Marian Harkin TD alongside Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, have announced two new apprenticeships in civil engineering and quantity surveying at Atlantic Technological University (ATU).
Minister Harkin said: “Civil engineers and quantity surveyors are in huge demand. Increasing apprenticeship training pathways for civil engineering and quantity surveying will help build a sustainable pipeline of workers to support our national housing and infrastructure goals, and it’s a strong example of how the apprenticeship system can respond directly to critical skills needs within a sector.
“Today’s announcements demonstrate ATU’s role in supporting regional development, talent retention and sustainable enterprise in the West and North-West.”
Minister Lawless said: “I am delighted and proud to launch two new apprenticeships at ATU today. A Level 8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering by Apprenticeship and a Level 8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Quantity Surveying.
“Government investment in apprenticeships is showing real results. The €79 million investment in apprenticeship in Budget 2026 is the highest investment in core apprenticeship funding since the establishment of DFHERIS – more than doubling the total annual investment in apprenticeship delivery from €184 million in 2020 to €415 million in 2026.
“The range of apprenticeship options has expanded significantly. We now have over 80 programmes, nearly three times the number a decade ago, reshaping public perceptions and opening new pathways to qualifications that were not previously accessible.
“Apprentice civil engineers and quantity surveyors will get hands-on industry experience, setting them up for a sustainable career pathway.”
President of ATU, Dr Orla Flynn said:
“I would like to sincerely thank Minister Harkin and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for their continued support for apprenticeship development and for recognising the importance of programmes such as these. I also want to acknowledge the commitment of our industry partners, whose collaboration has been central to shaping apprenticeships that are relevant, responsive and grounded in real practice. Together, this partnership between government, higher education and industry is delivering meaningful pathways for learners and supporting the development of a skilled workforce for the future.”
These new programmes form part of a wider suite of apprenticeships set to launch in 2026, which are expected to become an increasingly important source of talent as well as support the Government’s target of 12,500 apprentice registrations per annum by 2030.
Photo Caption: Seated (L-R): Frank Feighan TD, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Marian Harkin TD, Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President, Dr Ruth Quinn, Head of Civil Engineering and Construction Studies ATU.
Standing (L-R): Prof Graham Heaslip, ATU Dean of Faculty of Engineering & Computing, Colin Birney, QS Programme Chair at ATU. Dr Trevor McSharry, ATU Head of School of Built Environment, James Lonergan, Director of Education & CPD at the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI), Emma Britton, ATU Director of Civil Engineering Apprenticeship, Dr Billy Bennett, ATU Registrar and Chief Academic Officer.
For media enquiries, contact:
Aidan Haughey
Communications Manager
Tel: 086 086 6913
E: aidan.haughey@atu.ie
